Finca Rosa Blanca, Heredia

Pros

• The hotel is part of the Costa Rican Network of Private Reserves, with over 140 species of birds and fauna.
• Nature trails, a pool, and a Jacuzzi are popular amenities.
• The hotel is surrounded by Costa Rica's oldest towns, known for their rich local culture, and offers easy access to San José.
• You can visit nearby sites like the Heredia Central Market, volcanoes, zip lines, cloud forests, wildlife rescues, chocolate tastings, and more.
• Dinners at the on-site restaurant feature farm-to-table style meals sourced locally, including on the property. 

Cons

• While the hotel is located near San José, it's not ideal for travelers who prefer staying in the city center.
• Due to the natural setting, travelers may encounter insects around the property. 
• The Jacuzzi gets busy at peak times.
• There's no fitness center on-site, a downside for some.

Authenticity

Located on an organic coffee farm, Finca Rosa Blanca is deeply rooted in the local culture and traditions of the coffee highlands. The hotel's structure and design are unique and rich with murals, original artwork, and local crafts, and the decor is a vibrant mix of local art and a celebration of Costa Rican heritage. Murals depicting local life and the jungles adorn private and common areas, and many sculptures made by local Costa Rican artists are scattered throughout the resort and grounds. 

Location

Finca Rosa Blanca is ideally located within two hours of active volcanoes, whitewater rivers, canopy zip lines, misty cloud forests, and wildlife rescues. You'll be a 20-minute drive from the city of Heredia, home to the Heredia Central Market, and one hour from Barva Volcano National Park. The hotel's coffee farm is part of the Costa Rican Network of Private Reserves, so you don't need to go anywhere to explore over 140 species of birds, fauna, and incredible flora.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 14 villas, suites, and studios at Finca Rosa Blanca are individually designed and feature handcrafted furniture, murals, and original artwork. The Junior Suites offer comfort and a connection with the natural surroundings through private decks and gardens. The spacious Suites combine natural settings, local hardwoods, and an artistic ambiance. For families and small groups, the two villas connect Junior Suites to form a larger space that can accommodate up to six people.

Sustainability

Finca Rosa Blanca, one of the first carbon-neutral hotels in Costa Rica, has numerous sustainability initiatives, including solar-powered electricity, solar-heated hot water, and a chemical-free ionized swimming pool. The hotel has obtained Elite status, the highest level possible, of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), a Costa Rican program. It also supports conservation and regeneration through reforestation, planting more than 5,000 native trees.

Wildlife

Travelers can expect to see abundant birdlife (some of about 130 native species) in the lush surroundings. You can follow the nature trails through the property and take guided nature walks with the resort's naturalist guide to see other animals around the property, including butterflies, fireflies, and fascinating leafcutter ants.

Amenities

Finca Rosa Blanca has an outdoor infinity pool and Jacuzzi, which are open 24/7 and face views of the valley below. There are lounge areas beside the pool. The on-site El Tartugua Spa offers spa treatments. Guests can participate in a complimentary tour of the coffee plantation. Nature walks are available with a naturalist guide on staff. If the weather is poor, board games are available to borrow. Cars are prohibited on the resort's grounds. While the resort is generally wheelchair accessible, many paths through the property are rough; wheelchair users may require assistance navigating them. 

Family-Friendliness

The resort is family-friendly, with kids under three staying for free and older kids for a reduced fee. Kids can enjoy the nature trails and outdoor pool, although those under 15 should always be supervised. The restaurant has kid-friendly options. Villas offer the most space for families. Many family-oriented activities are offered or can be arranged by the resort, including nature walks, bird-watching, whitewater rafting, and ziplining. 

Other Highlights

Finca Rosa Blanca's restaurant, El Tigre Vestido, serves fresh, organic food sourced from the resort's gardens, greenhouses, and orchards. The restaurant strongly focuses on farm-to-table Costa Rican cuisine, with plenty of fresh, local ingredients, and draws inspiration from Latin American and Southern European cuisines. Seating is on a terrace with sweeping views of the Central Valley and the glittering lights of San José in the distance at night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts are served, as well as a complimentary "coffee hour" from 3 pm to 5:30 pm. A full bar at the resort, Bar El Buho, specializes in cocktails with a Costa Rican and Latin American twist.